YOBC - Central Europe

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday July 24: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday July 25: Prague

Welcome to Prague! Arrive and meet your Encore Tour Manager. This evening, there will be a special welcome dinner together in a local restaurant! (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 26: Prague

This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights from the Castle to the Old Town! A local expert will show us the quaint Malá Strana (Czech for “Lesser Quarter,” named for its location at the foot of Prague's ancient castle, and featured heavily in the movie Amadeus), the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century and the beautiful Old Town Square. This afternoon take a pilgrimage to Dvorak's birthplace at Nelahozeves, before returning to Prague to enjoy a dinner cruise on the River Vltava! (B)

Day 4, Thursday July 27: Prague

This morning take a tour of the historic Estates Theater, restored to the original grandeur which saw Mozart himself conduct the premiere of Don Giovanni. In the afternoon, you will rehearse at the famous Smetana Hall, home of the Prague Symphony, in preparation for your first concert performance tonight as part of the Musica Orbis orchestral concert series depending on approval. Dinner is provided before the concert (B)

Day 5, Friday July 28: Brno

This morning check out and depart towards the Southeast, to the region of Moravia. The first stop today is the spectacular Punkva Cave system, where you'll take an underground boat ride and guided tour of the cave complex. Continue to your hotel in the Czech Republic's second city of Brno, birthplace of the composer Janacek, and check in to your hotel. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B)

Day 6, Saturday July 29: Brno

This morning a local guide will take you on a walking sightseeing tour this morning, taking in the main sights in the city inlcuding the St Peter and Paul Cathedral, and the Astronomical Clock. In the afternoon, transfer to the venue to set up and rehearse for tonight's concert as part of the prestigious Mahler Festival in Jihlava depending on approval. Dinner will be together in a local restaurant. (B)

Day 7, Sunday July 30: Krakow

Check out of your hotel this morning and travel to the stunning city of Krakow. On arrival in Krakow, take a guided sightseeing tour of the city to include the Wawel Castle, and the iconic market square and Cloth Hall, and the Kazimierz Jewish quarter. Check into your next hotel and have dinner together in a local restaurant. (B)

Day 8, Monday July 31: Krakow

This morning, take a trip to the spectacular Wieliczka Salt Mines, and marvel at the underground architecture, including a full size chapel fashioned entirely of salt! Return to Krakow to prepare for your final concert performance, taking place today at a local venue such as the Krakow Philharmonic Hall, depending on approval, followed by a dinner in the Jewish quarter with traditional entertainment (B)

Day 9, Tuesday August 1: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)